Non-HTTPS Websites, are “NOT Secure” by Chrome

In a new Chrome update taking effect at the end of January 2017, websites that are non-HTTPS, meaning that websites that are not using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) technology, will be labeled as not secure in any area of the website where your users submit confidential information. When SSL technology is used, it means that confidential information users enter will be encrypted for extra safety and security.

At the end of January if your site is set up as “Non-HTTPS,” your website users will see messages in bright red, including a red triangle in some cases, along with a message that says “not secure”. The new update is called Chrome 56. This is being implemented to get websites to switch from standard HTTP to more secure technology.

Reasons to Make Sure Your Website is Secure

Using new security encryption technology gives your users confidence that all information they enter, especially information that pertains to a credit card, will be kept safe and away from anyone who should not have access to that information. This is an exceptional way for businesses to let their clients know that confidential information they submit is always kept confidential, building customer trust along the way. Other great reasons to have a secure website include:

– Client Confidence – When people know they can safely enter their credit card and other confidential information, they feel great about knowing their information will remain private and only be used by your company

– Message Can be Confusing – Customers might feel confused and unsure if they get one of these new “not secure” messages. They may wonder whether they really should enter their password or credit card information, and may wonder if your site was tampered with

– Free or Inexpensive Installation – Making sure your website is secure using 100 percent SSL technology is usually free or inexpensive, and is easy. The hosting provider for your site can tell you exactly what to do to get everything set up

Avoid Losing Customers

Probably the biggest reason to be sure your website is set up to process transactions securely is to keep from losing the people who are the lifeline of your business, your customers. If they feel unsure about your website, they may decide to go elsewhere. With this new upcoming release of Chrome 56, now is the time to be sure your site is safe and secure, and that it is trustworthy. Trust can take a long time sometimes to build, but it is always worth preserving to ensure business success.